Whether it's your first pregnancy or your third, you want an OB/GYN with experience and an excellent bedside manner. Double board-certified physician, Dr. Elias Moukarzel, has over 18 years experience helping mothers bring babies into the world and he can help you, too. At the El Centro, California location, Femina Careo offers everything you need for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Call the office today to schedule your appointment or use our convenient online booking agent.
What can you expect at your first prenatal appointment?
Call to schedule your first prenatal appointment with Dr. Moukarzel as soon as you find out you're pregnant. In most cases, he asks that you schedule at about eight weeks and may request that you come into the office for an official pregnancy test.
When you arrive for your first appointment, Dr. Moukarzel begins by reviewing your medical history. He asks questions about past pregnancies, your periods and gynecological history, as well as your personal and family medical history.
He asks about any medications, both prescription or over-the-counter, and supplements and counsels you on lifestyle habits that can impact your pregnancy, including the risks involved with using tobacco and alcohol.
Dr. Moukarzel estimates your due date based on your last period. He may use an internal ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy date.
What kinds of tests and screenings are done during your first obstetrics appointment?
In addition to the thorough exam Dr. Moukarzel performs, he also orders a variety of lab and screening tests. He orders a blood test to check your blood type and measure your hemoglobin, which indicates your iron levels.
If you're a high-risk pregnancy, Dr. Moukarzel may order testing for fetal abnormalities, including antenatal testing, ultrasound, genetic testing, amniocentesis, or fetal monitoring.
How often do you need to see the OB when you are pregnant?
If you aren't high risk for pregnancy complications and have no other pre-existing conditions, Dr. Moukarzel typically schedules your first prenatal appointment at eight weeks. Between then and week 28, you should have one prenatal appointment per month.
From weeks 28-36, you see him every two weeks. From weeks 36 to birth, you have weekly appointments.